You really can change the way you feel! If your mood needs lightening and brightening then just try the following tips and strategies to discover a fresh, new, optimistic and upbeat outlook.
Step 1 Expect success
Sometimes an immediate change in attitude is all it takes to turn a negative pessimistic feeling into a positive and optimistic one.
• Next time you find yourself visualizing the worst possible outcome become aware of what you are doing and then stop yourself, just refuse to go there.
• Imagine the very best scenario and visualize that instead. See it happening and make it all as real as possible.
• Your optimistic view will make you feel much more upbeat and will also help you to attract success.
Step 2 Increase your smiles per hour
• Even a fake smile will make us feel happier because as soon as we smile our system fills with endorphins (feelgood hormones). So try this now; it’s such a simple and effective technique.
• Become a smiley person and others will be attracted to your energy. Research shows that people are more likely to speak to someone who has smiled at them (naturally!).
• Check in to your facial expression whenever you remember and put on a smile and you will feel fabulous!
3 Make way for the new
If you want to bring exciting positive changes into your life then you need to let go of something first. Don’t let old negativity drag you down.
• Let go of dull routines and replace them with exciting new experiences.
• Let go of old complaints and grudges and you will feel more at ease with life.
• Let go of the thoughts that make you unhappy; focus on happiness.
• Let go of useless clutter and you will feel an amazing lightness of spirit.
4 Become a pleasure seeker
• Healthy pleasures are fun and increase our levels of optimism and light heartedness. Make a list of your top ten pleasures:
…………………………………………………………………….
Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Visit a friend.
Eat something delicious.
Take a walk in the park.
Curl up with a new book.
• Now choose one of your top ten pleasures to enjoy today. Choose another one tomorrow. Make sure that you do something just for pleasure every day.
Step 5 List your reasons to be optimistic
You have so many reasons to be positive but sometimes you might just overlook them. Write a list to remind you using the following categories.
Think of…
• A person who loves you
• Someone who you love
• Something you do very well
• The best thing that happened today
• A time when you felt valued and appreciated
• An occasion when someone was kind to you
Step 6 Talk yourself up
With positive self-talk you can ‘talk yourself up’ and lift your energy whenever you need a boost. Try talking yourself up with the following positive statements:
I love life and life loves me back
I feel great and am ready for anything
Today I am on top of the world, anything is possible
I believe in myself 100%
I am not afraid of anyone or anything.
I feel confident and assertive.
I am so lucky to be alive.
Notice how your levels of positivity and optimism rise when you make these upbeat declarations.
Step 7 Enjoy the moment
• When you are busy stressing about the future you cannot feel happy, so stop this immediately.
• When you are worrying and fretting about the past you will always feel low, so stop this too!
• Replace these two misery making habits with a fresh new approach – decide to enjoy the present moment. Begin to appreciate each moment of your life as it happens and you will be amazed to discover a new buoyant mood and a real lift to your spirits.
Quiz – How optimistic are you?
Answer TRUE or UNTRUE
When things are difficult I believe that I can cope.
I usually look for the silver lining.
I love trying out new things.
I can always find something to be grateful for.
I am generally buoyant.
I trust my decision making powers.
More often or not I can raise a smile.
My glass is half full rather than half empty.
I can usually rise to life’s challenges.
I am a friendly outgoing person.
Score 2 each time you answer UNTRUE
Score 4 each time you answered TRUE
Scoring:
34-40 You are a Super-optimist. You know how to maintain a positive outlook.
26-32 You are a Sometimes-optimist. There are occasions when you let
negativity spoil your mood but there are ways to overcome this.
20-24 You are a Pessimist. It’s time to lighten up and enjoy life; it is surprisingly easy to do this.
Coaching and confidence boosting at http://www.lyndafield.com
Extracted from the book ~The Self-Esteem Coach~ by Lynda Field
Copyright © Lynda Field 2015
